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Map No. 15: Washington Heights

13. Bennett ParkW. 183rd St. at Ft. Washington Ave.
General George Washington set up camp here during the Revolutionary War. (At 265 feet above sea level, it’s the highest point of land in Manhattan.) Now it’s a playground with colorful swings and a jungle gym, and a lunch spot, thanks to ample bench space. When the weather’s nice, you might see local schoolchildren on recess and maybe a bake sale in progress.

14. Critter Outfitter210 Pinehurst Ave., nr. W. 187th St.; 212-928-0342
“In the last five years, the neighborhood has become very doggy,” says Valerie Volinski, the owner of this pet-grooming-and-supply store. Her shop is a community center of sorts for pet lovers, who regularly stop in for conversation and dog treats. Grooming costs from $55 to $100.

16. Gideon’s810 W. 187th St., nr. Ft. Washington Ave.; 212-927-9262
Just like Nana used to make at home. This small, 60-year-old kosher bakery pumps out fresh, fragrant challah, black-and- white cookies (60 cents for a small one; large, 90 cents), and black-and-white cake ($9.95), which is even better.

17. Pleasant Cleaners810 W. 187th St., nr. Ft. Washington Ave.; 212-927-5663
The preferred neighborhood stop for alterations, done by Adam the tailor, who can usually be found plying his sewing machine in the window.

20. Hilltop Pharmacy593 Ft. Washington Ave., at W. 187th St.; 212-568-5510
The sign should really say APOTHECARY, because having a pharmacist greet you by name is a courtesy reminiscent of a bygone era.

21. Monkey Room589 Ft. Washington Ave., nr. W. 187th St.; 212-543-9888
On weekends, the outdoor patio is usually standing-room-only at this hopping bar with its gay and straight multicultural patrons. Broken-in banquettes and a flat-screen television with sports programming bring drinkers inside.

22. United Palace4140 Broadway, at W. 175th St.; 212-568-6700
Six months ago, the Reverend Ike’s Christ Community United Church, a 3,293-seat space, started moonlighting as an indie-rock venue. Bloc Party, Arcade Fire, and Björk have played recently, drawing a new kind of crowd. The interior is Old Hollywood grand, but nowadays the exterior is somewhat shabby.

23. Malecon4141 Broadway, at W. 175th St.; 212-927-3812
“King of the Roast Chicken” is not an overstatement at this Caribbean-influenced restaurant that stays open from 7 A.M. to 2 A.M., welcoming livery drivers and downtown clubbers returning home late at night.

26. Típico Dominicano Restaurant4172 Broadway, at W. 177th St.; 212-781-3900
A 24-hour restaurant with Dominican-influenced dishes such as mofongo ($7.95) and shrimp seviche ($16.95). Its breakfast special is hard to beat: two eggs, home fries, toast, juice, and coffee or tea, for $2.25.